Mr. Aniyom informed the Nigeria Cassava Growers Association, Cross River State Chapter that the State Government has acquired 6,000 hectares of land at Iyamitet, Obubra Local Government Area for equal distribution to all farmers under the loan scheme.
He told the farmers that in the next five years, cassava would be the main stay of Nigeria’s – economy, since the time was ripe for Cassava farmers to plant at least twice a year.
The Commissioner called on Cassava Farmers to develop interest in Agriculture, since there was money in farming and appealed further to farmers to encourage their children to see farming as the only way out of poverty in the country.
Speaking, the State Chairman, Nigeria Cassava Growers Association, Cross River State Chapter, Rev. Augustine Oqua thanked the Commissioner for this exercise.
According to Rev. Oqua”, today marks a milestone in the history of Nigerian Casssava Farmers in Cross River State,“ emphasizing that, the bold step by the Federal and State Governments in Agriculture has rekindled the spirit of farmers in the State, to re-direct the farmers thought pattern and also to realize that farmers have their destiny in their hands to create wealth, job opportunities as well as provide food security.
He acknowledged that there was much to be done to get the desired expectation of farmers in the State.
Rev. Oqua thanked the Commissioner for Agriculture, whom he described as “ The Commissioner for Farmers” for the vision to constitute the Cassava Loan Disbursement Steering Committee, for effective coordination, monitoring, as well as enforce the utilization of the loan to achieve best results. He assured the Committee members of the Association’s continued commitment for the actualization of its goals. the Steering Committee members include Mr. Alban Nwogu as Chairman. Others are; Mrs. Justina Vlafor, Mr. Bassey Elemi, Mr Enembe Edet, Mr. Okon E. Oyo- Ita, while Mr. Nathanial Nkor serves as Secretary.
Cheques were equally given to some Loan beneficiaries by the Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr. James Aniyom.
